Cape Town
The city that continues to captivate visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse population. As one of the world's top culinary destinations, Cape Town's appeal is further heightened, making it a truly remarkable city that must be experienced.
Before we embark on our Cape Town adventure, we strongly advise bringing water, a jacket, and sunscreen, as the weather in Africa can change quickly, particularly with the unpredictable Cape Doctor winds.
Take extra care of your valuables to prevent them from being misplaced without your knowledge; keep your belongings zipped up and minimize their exposure. When parking your vehicle outside, ensure that nothing is left in plain sight. Parking can be challenging, but Uber is a convenient and reliable option. Be prepared to walk if necessary.
If you're interested in paragliding, plan your flight ahead of time, and allow us to assist with scheduling around the weather conditions. In Africa, we operate on our unique time, often referred to as 'African time,' so embrace the slower pace and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Exploring Cape Town can be overwhelming, so to make the most of your visit, be sure to check out these absolute must-see attractions in the Mother City.
1. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of the seven new wonders of the world, and an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Cape Town. We recommend visiting on days with clear visibility and lighter winds, which are also ideal for paragliding from Signal Hill. There are two main routes to the top: the easiest is the 'Platteklip Gorge,' which takes around two hours of moderate walking up the inclined rock steps. For the more adventurous, the 'India Venster' route is slightly longer, but be sure to stay beneath the cableway to avoid getting lost. Once at the summit, take the cableway down to save your knees.
Check out our Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook channels for a glimpse of our own descent.
Paragliding around the Cape Peninsula video.
Top Tips:
Don't wait in the three-hour queue! Book your Table Mountain visit beforehand, and feel free to ask us about the weather for the best possible experience. Keep an eye out for the Dassies on the mountain slopes and take a swim at one of the beautiful beaches. For thrill-seekers, consider rappelling down the mountain with Abseil Africa.
2. Explore Kirstenbosch Gardens
Established in 1913 to protect the Cape's rare flora and fauna, the 36-hectare Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination known for its beauty and diversity. Located on the southern slopes of Table Mountain, the gardens are home to over 7,000 species of flora, as well as a variety of indigenous birds and animals, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing and educational outing.
An activity that should be on everyone's list, even on days with moderate SE winds, is exploring the east side slopes of Table Mountain near Rhodes Memorial. You can take your time and spend anything from an hour to a full day exploring the gardens. If the weather turns unfavourable, simply find another spot within the gardens to enjoy.
Top Tips:
If you hike to the top of Table Mountain, the entrance to the park is free. However, if you plan on exploring the gardens, please pay at the gate or take a leisurely stroll through the grounds before catching an Uber back to your starting point.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the Kirstenbosch summer sunset concerts, where you can win free entry to the gardens if you arrive early. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the park while enjoying live music and stunning sunsets.
3. Clifton Kayak
Looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure combo? Look no further than Clifton Kayak - both conveniently located close to our takeoff locations. Not only will you get to explore the stunning skies above Cape Town, but also the crystal-clear waters and kelp forests along the Atlantic coast.
Clifton Kayak is a unique experience that allows you to swim, snorkel, and engage in other fun activities while exploring the scenic coastline between Camps Bay and Clifton. With stunning views of Lion's Head, Table Mountain, and the Twelve Apostles, you'll paddle from Clifton 4th Beach across the bay to visit small seal colonies before returning to the kelp forests and rock pools at Maidens Cove. And if you're feeling adventurous, take a quick plunge into the icy waters with a dive mask to explore the wonders below.
But that's not all - Clifton has been voted one of the top ten beaches in the world, making it the perfect backdrop to your paddling adventure. So why not book both activities with us and make the most of your time in Cape Town?
Looking for an adrenaline-fueled experience? Capetownfreediving offers a unique and daring way to explore the underwater world.
4. Penguins at Boulders Beach
Don't miss the chance to see penguins at Boulders Beach! Boulders Beach is a world-renowned destination due to its adorable African penguin colony. This beach offers visitors the unique opportunity to swim and interact with these cute, but endangered birds. To access the colony, visitors must pay a conservation fee as the area falls under the protection of SANParks. This beautiful spot near Simon's Town is home to a colony of African penguins you can observe from a boardwalk. For an even bigger penguin experience, take a scenic drive along the R44 coastal route from Strand to Hermanus and stop in Betty's Bay. It's important to keep a respectful distance from the penguins, allowing them to approach you and avoiding blocking their movements between the water and land. Feeding them is also prohibited due to their sharp beaks.
Top Tips:
Combine your visit to Boulders Beach with a trip to Cape Point Nature Reserve, but make sure to arrive early to secure your spot, as there's limited capacity.
5. Hike Lions Head
If you're up for a fun and rewarding hike, Lions Head is a must! This trail, situated within Table Mountain National Park, offers stunning views of Cape Town and the coast. It's a relatively easy walk, about 2.5 km long, that should take you around 1.5 hours to complete the ascent and less for the descent. For an even more adventurous experience, check out our Instagram and book a tandem instructional flight with us!
Top tips:
Use Uber to get there and back, or end your hike at the Roundhouse restaurant. Be prepared for wind at the top, and avoid crossing people at the ladders. If there is no parking then there are usually a lot of people on top – then just walk around it ;)
6. Go to the Beach
Top tips:
-
If you're a surfer, don't miss out on the epic waves at Llundado and Muizenberg beaches.
-
If you're feeling daring, check out Sandy Bay, the only nude beach on the peninsula. But be careful not to venture too far!
-
On windy days, head to the beaches of Blouberg and watch the kite surfers from one of the many enclosed restaurants along the coast.
-
After a refreshing swim in Seapoint's pool, take a stroll along the promenade and treat yourself to some delicious local ice cream at the Creamery. And if you're too tired to walk back, just Uber upwind. Or, if you're feeling fancy, indulge in a mouth-watering steak dinner at Hussar Grill.
7. Seal snorkeling in Houtbay
Are you looking for a unique and exciting adventure in Cape Town? Look no further than seal snorkeling in Hout Bay!
Located just a short drive from the city center, Hout Bay is a picturesque fishing village nestled in a scenic valley between two mountains. And it's home to a colony of Cape fur seals that love to play in the bay's cool waters.
You will get the chance to get up close and personal with these playful creatures in their natural habitat. As you float on the surface, the seals will swim circles around you, darting in and out of view as they chase each other and play. They're incredibly curious and friendly, so don't be surprised if one swims up to check you out or even gives you a playful nibble on the fins!
Seal snorkeling in Hout Bay is a year-round activity, but the best time to go is from October to May when the water is warmer. And even if you're not a confident swimmer, you can still enjoy the experience by holding onto a flotation device and simply watching the seals from the surface.
So if you're looking for a thrilling and unforgettable adventure in Cape Town, book a seal snorkeling trip in Hout Bay today!
8. Wine Tasting
If you're looking for a memorable wine tasting experience in South Africa, there are several regions to choose from. Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Hemel and Aarde Valley are all popular destinations for wine enthusiasts.9. Blouberg beach for watching the kitesurfers!
Blouberg beach is truly a spectacular destination for watching kitesurfers in action! The sport of kitesurfing involves a unique blend of water sports, paragliding, and acrobatics, with athletes manoeuvring themselves over the waves using a kite and a board. You can witness some of the most talented kitesurfers in the world showcasing their skills, performing tricks and jumps that will leave you in awe.
If you're planning a visit to Blouberg beach, we highly recommend making reservations at Homespun by Matt, a restaurant located right on the coast. There's nothing quite like enjoying a delicious meal while watching the kitesurfers sail over the waves, with the sun setting behind them. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
Be sure to check out the Red Bull King of the Air competition, which takes place annually at Blouberg beach. This event brings together some of the most talented kitesurfers in the world, who compete in a high-flying, acrobatic display that will leave you breathless.
So if you're looking for an exciting and unique experience, head to Blouberg beach.
10. Chapmans Peak drive
Chapmans Peak Drive is undoubtedly one of the most stunning roads to drive in South Africa, with breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and coastline. This scenic drive is perfect for a leisurely day trip, and there are plenty of sunset picnic spots along the way to enjoy.Although there is a toll gate at the start of the drive, it's well worth the cost to experience the beauty of this winding road. However, if you're on a budget, there are still ways to explore the other side of the mountain without paying the toll.
One of the top tips for visiting Chapmans Peak Drive is to stop at the top and take in the incredible views of Hout Bay and Noordhoek beaches. This is the perfect spot to snap some photos or enjoy a picnic while watching the sunset over the ocean.
11. Scootours
12.City rock or Block 11
Climbing and bouldering is an easy, safe and fun activity for all levels and is our top rainy day activity. Simply pop into any of the great locations on offer where you could easily spend as much time as you want crawling along the walls. If that gets too much simply take a break with some yoga classes or a snack at the kiosks.
Top tips:
1. This is a great place to meet new friends and get some more advise from the locals on extra activities to do around the area.
2. Best on rainy days.
13. High5kiting school
If you have about 10+hours to learn another hobby, get in touch with High five kitesurfing school. They have the best kitesurf instructors, great equipment and a lot of passion. On average they will teach you to become a confident rider in 12 hours. The lessons takes place between Blouberg and Langebaan.Get in touch if you want more info about kitesurfing or join us on long downwinders as all our Paragliding instructors are also very avid kite surfers and regularly chase the wind when it is too strong for paragliding.
Top tip: When the wind speed picks up above 30km/h we typically stop paragliding and marks the start of kitesurfing conditions as the South Easterly typically picks up throughout the day.
14. Getting around
We highly recommend renting a small affordable vehicle to get you around the peninsula! Ulfs car rental offer exactly this for the long term visitor or alternatively jump on the City-sightseeing red bus to catch a glimpse of the whole peninsula and even the wine route of Franschoek. You can easily extend your ticket for a small fee and get to see so much more without the rush.15. Helicopter Tour
A helicopter tour in Cape Town is an unforgettable experience that will give you a unique perspective of the Mother City and its surroundings. Sport Helicopters offers a variety of tours that cater to different budgets and interests.One of the most popular tours is the scenic flight over the Cape Peninsula, which takes you over the iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Cape Point, and the Twelve Apostles. You'll also get to see some of the most beautiful beaches and rugged coastline that Cape Town has to offer.
For the ultimate luxury experience, you can book a private helicopter tour and customize your itinerary to include any sights or destinations that you want to see. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a private helicopter tour is the perfect way to do it.
16. Grabouw Cape Canopy Tour
One of our absolute favorite adventures is located just a 1.5 hour drive from Cape Town, and it takes you deep into the heart of nature. This thrilling activity is a mini adventure that lasts for about 3+ hours, during which experienced guides will take you through an exhilarating sequence of ziplines and bridge crossings, complete with local snacks and a game drive to the start and back. And for a delicious pit stop, make sure to visit Peregrine's Roadhouse Cafe for some mouth-watering local venison pies!
17. Learn to Paraglide
Paragliding is not just a thrilling activity to try, but it's also possible to learn and gain an internationally recognized license to fly all over the world. Paraglide Africa offers an introduction course as well as a full basic license course. The training takes place in the Garden Route near Wilderness and Sedgefield, which is considered one of the best locations to learn paragliding in the world. The coastal soaring conditions and gentle thermic weather allow for safe and confident progress. Consider purchasing the complete gear package to speed up your learning experience.Top tip:
Our recommendations aim to provide you with a truly unforgettable and extraordinary experience in Cape Town. So why wait any longer? Let's embark on this adventure together and start exploring!
Remember to book your Paragliding experience early on as the weather can delay the activity and you might end up missing out on the opportunity to fly in Cape Town.
